Biotechnology:Composting

Composting-Requirements For Composting,Microorganisms In Composting,Phases Of Composting ,Vermicomposting,Different Types Of Vermicomposting

1. COMPOSTING Prasanna R Kovath Assistant Professor Department of Biotechnology St.Mary’s College Thrissur

2. Composting,Prasanna R Kovath,St.Mary’s College COMPOSTING Compost is organic matter that has been decomposed in a process called composting. This process recycles various organic materials otherwise regarded as waste products and produces a soil conditioner (the compost ). Compost is rich in nutrients composting requires making a heap of wet organic matter such as leaves, grass, and food scraps, and waiting for the materials to break down into humus after a period of months

3. Composting,Prasanna R Kovath,St.Mary’s College REQUIREMENTS FOR COMPOSTING Carbon : for energy; the microbial oxidation of carbon produces the heat. Nitrogen : to grow and reproduce more organisms to oxidize the carbon. Oxygen : for oxidizing the carbon, the decomposition process. Water : in the right amounts to maintain activity without causing anaerobic conditions

4. Composting,Prasanna R Kovath,St.Mary’s College MICROORGANISMS IN COMPOSTING Bacteria Actinobacteria Fungi Mould Yeast Protozoa Rotifiers Earthworms

5. Composting,Prasanna R Kovath,St.Mar’ys College PHASES OF COMPOSTING M esophilic phase : decomposition is carried out under moderate temperatures by mesophilic microorganisms. Thermophilic phase : decomposition is carried out by various thermophilic bacteria under high temperatures. Maturation phase : As the supply of high-energy compounds dwindles, the temperature starts to decrease, and the mesophiles once again predominate

6. Composting,Prasanna R Kovath,St.Mar’ys College VERMICOMPOSTING vermicomposting is the process by which worms are used to convert organic materials (usually wastes) into a humus-like material known as vermin-compost. S uperior to most composts as an inoculant in the production of compost . R ich in nitrate and contain minerals like phosphorous, potassium,calcium,magnesium which are excellent fertilizers and soil conditioners.

7. Composting,Prasanna R Kovath,St.Mar’ys College

8. Composting,Prasanna R Kovath,St.Mary’s College African earthworm ( Eudrillus euginiae ) Tiger worm or Red wrinkle ( Eisenia foetida ) Asian worms ( perinonyx ecavatus ) EARTHWORMS USED FOR COMPOSTING

9. Poetic Forms & Genres,Ceena Jose.k,St.Mar’ys College DIFFERENT TYPES OF VERMICOMPOSTING Bed Method: Beds of organic matter are prepared. This is an easy practice and is widely used. Pit Method: Cemented pits are made and are filled with organic matter. However, this method is not preferred because of water logging and poor aeration .

10. Composting,Prasanna R Kovath,St.Mar’ys College The compost pit should be protected from direct sunlight and a certain temperature has to be maintained Water should be regularly sprayed on the pit in order to maintain the moisture level The worms should be protected from natural predators PRECAUTIONS : VERMICOMPOSTING

11. Composting,Prasanna R Kovath,St.Mary’s College Nutrient (%) Vermicompost Farm Yard Manure Nitrogen 1.6 0.5 Phosphorus 0.7 0.2 Potassium 0.8 0.5 Calcium 0.5 0.9 Magnesium 0.2 0.2 Iron (ppm) 175.0 146.5 Manganese (ppm) 96.5 69.0 Zinc (ppm) 24.5 14.5 Copper (ppm) 5.0 2.8 C:N (ratio) 15.5 31.3 COMPARISON:NUTRITIONAL VALUE

12. Composting,Prasanna R Kovath,St.Mar’ys College It is a natural fertilizer It is not hazardous for the soil It improves soil aeration and texture Water retention ability is improved It improves the nutrient status of the soil This method is cost effective ADVANTAGES

13. Composting,Prasanna R Kovath,St.Mar’ys College Composting takes a lot of time to process (3 months) It produces bad smell There is a need spend time on maintenance as constant monitoring is required This technique requires a lot of laborers and is pretty hard to implement in urban areas DISADVANTAGES

14. Composting,Prasanna R Kovath,St.Mar’ys College REFERENCE www.homeguides.sfgate.com www.planetnatural.com www.biogas.ifas.ufl.edu www.ecomena.org www.sciencedirect.com www.agritech.tnau.ac.in